'Tis the Season for Takeout in St. Paul

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. With all the shopping, decorating and cooking taking up so much of what used to be our leisure time, this is also the season for takeout. This week we thought we’d make it even easier on you by pointing you in the direction of some of St. Paul’s most popular takeout restaurants – and no, none of them have “Mc” in front of their names.

Big Daddy’s Old Fashioned Barbecue

Whether you’re craving a pulled-pork sandwich or a slathery slab of pork or beef ribs, Big Daddy’s will have it ready for you when you arrive. If you’re like us, and you depend on Yelp reviews, you’ll love knowing that Big Daddy’s Old Fashioned Barbecue has been recognized by Yelp for maintaining a 4.5 out of 5 rating. That’s not the only accolade this joint gets either. “They have a way of transforming big on-the-bone cuts of beef into succulent, thunderous morsels of profound intensity and grace,” says Minnesota Monthly’s Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl.

City Pages says that Big Daddy’s sauce “beckons with sweetness before smacking back with an awesome acidic spice bite.”

But, try it for yourself. Find the menu on their website and then call 651-222-2516 to order. Big Daddy’s Old Fashioned Barbecue is located at 625 University Ave. W. in St. Paul.

Mama’s Pizza

You’ve heard the statistics, right? Most restaurants don’t make it past their first year in business. So, how has Mama’s been serving the North End for more than 40? Ah, that’s for you to find out when you visit. The minute you bite into the spaghetti and meatballs, amore is going to hit you like the moon hits your eye.

Takeout is quick here, especially if you call ahead, and the food is still hot and tasty when you get home. Check out Mama’s menu online and then call in your order at 651-489-2005. Pick it up at 961 Rice Street in St. Paul.

Tavial Grill

You know, sometimes you just have to have a tamale. At least we do, and for Mexican takeout you really can’t do better than Tavial Grill. The staff here is amazing and the food is too. Our only gripe with them is that they don’t have a website. How’s one to order takeout when you can’t find a menu? So, here’s our suggestion: call and make them read you the menu over the phone. Maybe if enough people do this they’ll come into the 21st century and put up a website.

You can find a photo of their chalkboard menu on Yelp or call them at 651-298-1000. Tavial is located at 1199 W 7th St. in St. Paul.

Sure, there are many more wonderful takeout restaurants in St. Paul, but these three are sure to be a hit. Call them. Tell them what you want to eat and then remind them that “I’ll take that to go please.”